Apparatus for accessing and storing objects

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position, which is particularly useful on vehicles. The present invention also relates to a method of transferring an object from a lower accessible position to a higher storage position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/583,195, filed Aug. 14, 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of andclaims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/383,106, filed Mar. 19, 2009, now abandoned,which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S.provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/070,090, filed Mar. 20, 2008,the entire contents of all applications are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Numerous utility apparatuses exist for storing objects on a vehicle.Vehicle racks for vans and pick up trucks, for example, have beendesigned to transport a wide variety of objects including tools andimplements such as ladders, pipes, tool boxes, building materials,rakes, shovels, brooms and sporting equipment such as skis, surfboards,bicycles, kayaks, and other items. For the craftsman or sportsenthusiast, movement of these objects on and off the vehicle isdifficult and in cases of heavier objects can be dangerous, especiallyunder in climate weather conditions such as snow and ice. In order tofacilitate moving and storing these objects, storage racks have beendesigned that involve moving parts. In general, they involve loading anobject in a lower position along side the vehicle and then manuallytransferring the object to a higher storage position on top of thevehicle.

Movement of larger, elongated objects such as ladders or heavy objectssuch as tool boxes between these lower and higher positions stillrequires a significant amount of effort on the part of the user. In bothdirections, the user must fight against gravity to lift the object tothe higher position or prevent it from slamming to the ground whenlowering it. Lowering an elongated or heavy object, or both, can beespecially dangerous if done too rapidly, potentially causing injury tothe user or damage to the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,384,093 discloses a vehicle comprising an apparatus formoving an object between a use position and a stowed position, but theapparatus is constructed within the vehicle and is not practical forlarge objects such as a ladder.

Published U.S. Patent Application No. 20080110949 discloses a fixedapparatus that clamps to the side of a panel truck that can carry large,flat objects such as sheets of wood. The apparatus, however, is limitedin the variety of material it can carry by the space along side of thepanel truck, and lacks the ability to move an object from a loweraccessible position to an upper storage position.

Published U.S. Patent Application No. 20020179661 discloses a rooftoprack for carrying bicycles comprising a base, which is mounted on thevehicle roof, a pivotable arm for moving a tray carrying the bicycle,and a winch and cable system for moving the tray from a lower accessibleposition to the top of the vehicle. Although convenient for bicycles,such a winch and cable system is not ideal for heavier objects such asequipment and tools used by the average craftsman.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,137,479 discloses a powered ladder storage apparatus fortransferring a ladder between an upper storage position on an emergencyvehicle and a lower, rearward accessible position that is at about a 45degree angle to the vehicle. The apparatus comprises a pivotally movablecarriage and a power drive for moving the ladder between the twopositions. The apparatus, however, lacks general utility for objectsother than a ladder. The power drive also requires many moving parts andcables making it impractical for vehicles other than emergency vehicles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,827,541 discloses an apparatus for transferring a ladderbetween an upper storage position on an emergency vehicle and a loweraccessible position alongside the vehicle comprising two hydrauliccylinders that power a lift arm. However, the range of motion requirestwo hydraulic cylinder which need to coordinate the lifting action ofthe lift arm. As the two cylinders wear down from general use suchcoordination will become more difficult. The complexity of the systemalso makes it impractical for non-emergency vehicles.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,360,930 discloses a utility rack for a motor vehiclecomprising a stationary mounting frame, a cargo frame movable between anaccessible position alongside the vehicle and a storage position on topof the vehicle, and means of manually moving the cargo frame between thetwo positions. The utility rack can be used on non-emergency vehiclesand also comprises a hydraulic assist for the manual movement. However,the cargo frame requires a network of supports pivotally attached toeach other to move the cargo between the two positions which may bedifficult to operate, even with the hydraulic assist, under in climateweather conditions.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,181 also discloses a utility rack for a motorvehicle for manually transferring a ladder from an accessible positionalongside the vehicle to an upper storage position on top of thevehicle. Transfer is accomplished by manually pivoting a lifting armthat traverses the 270 degrees between the two positions. Although theutility rack can be used on non-emergency vehicles, the wide range ofmotion necessary for the operator to achieve is difficult with heavierobjects or with multiple ladders.

There still exists a need for an apparatus for transferring objectsbetween lower accessible and upper storage positions on emergency andnon-emergency vehicles alike that requires little effort and has aminimum of moving parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus fortransferring an object between an upper storage position and a loweraccessible position comprising: a stationary mounting frame comprisingtwo tracks each having a rail capable of effectively interlocking a gearor sprocket; and at least one carriage positioned between the trackscomprising a) a tray having two distal ends, b) a gear or sprocket ateach distal end effectively interlocking with the rail, c) an objectfastener attached to the tray, and d) a power drive operatively attachedto the tray and capable of rotating one or both of the gears orsprockets. In a further embodiment, the mounting frame is mounted to avehicle.

In a further embodiment, the rail comprises an array of teeth, a chain,or a series of holes in the track.

In a further embodiment, the object is an elongated object. In a furtherembodiment, the object is a ladder, scaffolding, staging, pipes, lumber,aluminum posts, or pump jack. In a further embodiment, the object is aladder.

In a further embodiment, the mounting frame traverses the top and oneside of the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the mounting frametraverses the top and two sides of the vehicle.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises 1, 2, or 3additional carriages each comprising a tray having two distal ends, agear or sprocket at each distal end effectively interlocking with therail, and an object fastener attached to the tray. In a furtherembodiment, the carriages are connected to each other by a chain.

In a further embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In a furtherembodiment, the motor is capable of rotating both gears or sprocketsthrough an axle. In a further embodiment, the apparatus furthercomprises a second motor operatively attached to the tray, wherein eachmotor is attached to one gear or sprocket through an axle. In a furtherembodiment, the apparatus further comprises a receiver operativelyattached to the motor, and capable of receiving signal and transferringit to the motor(s). In a further embodiment, the signal is an on or offsignal for the motor(s).

In a further embodiment, the object fastener comprise a clamp, Velcrostrap, bungee chord, buckle, or chord. In a further embodiment, theobject fastener comprises at least two posts and clamping device whichoperatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after theobject has been placed on the posts. In a further embodiment, the objectfastener comprises four posts and a clamping device which operativelyand reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after the object has beenplaced on the posts.

In a further embodiment, the object fastener comprises tubing mounted tothe tray and having removable caps at either end on the tubing. In afurther embodiment, the tubing is polyvinyl chloride tubing.

In a further embodiment, the rail is an array of teeth and the carriagecomprises a gear at each distal end of the tray. In another embodiment,the rail is a chain and the carriage comprises a sprocket at each distalend of the tray. In another embodiment, the rail is a series of holes ineach track and the carriage comprises a sprocket at each distal end ofthe tray.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus fortransferring an object between an upper storage position and a loweraccessible position comprising: a stationary mounting frame comprisingtwo tracks each housing a chain capable of effectively interlocking witha sprocket; and at least one carriage positioned between the trackscomprising: a) a tray having two distal ends, b) a sprocket at eachdistal end effectively interlocking with the chain housed in the tracks,c) an object fastener attached to the tray, and d) a power driveoperatively attached to the tray capable of rotating one or both of thesprockets at each distal end. In a further embodiment, the mountingframe is attached to a vehicle. In another embodiment, the mountingframe traverses the top and one side of the vehicle. In a furtherembodiment, the mounting frame traverses the top and two sides of thevehicle.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises 1, 2, or 3additional carriages each comprising a tray having two distal ends, asprocket at each distal end effectively interlocking with the chainhoused in the tracks, and an object fastener attached to the tray. Inanother embodiment, the carriages are connected to each other by achain.

In a further embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In a furtherembodiment, the motor is capable of rotating both gears through an axle.In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second motoroperatively attached to the tray, wherein each motor is attached to onegear through an axle. In a further embodiment, the apparatus furthercomprises a receiver operatively attached to the motor, and capable ofreceiving signal and transferring it to the motor(s). In a furtherembodiment, the signal is an on or off signal for the motor(s).

In another embodiment, the object fastener comprises a clamp, Velcrostrap, bungee chord, buckle, or chord. In another embodiment, the objectfastener comprises at least two posts and a clamping device whichoperatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after theobject has been placed on the posts. In a further embodiment, the objectfastener comprises four posts and a clamping device which operativelyand reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after the object has beenplaced on the posts. In another embodiment, the object fastenercomprises tubing mounted to the tray and having removable caps at eitherend on the tubing. In a further embodiment, the tubing is polyvinylchloride tubing.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus fortransferring an object between an upper storage position and a loweraccessible position comprising: a stationary mounting frame comprisingtwo tracks each comprising a series of holes capable of effectivelyinterlocking with a sprocket; and at least one carriage positionedbetween the tracks comprising: a) a tray having two distal ends, b) asprocket at each distal end effectively interlocking with the series ofholes housed in the tracks, c) an object fastener attached to the tray,and d) a power drive operatively attached to the tray capable ofrotating one or both of the sprockets at each distal end. In a furtherembodiment, the mounting frame is attached to a vehicle. In anotherembodiment, the mounting frame traverses the top and one side of thevehicle. In a further embodiment, the mounting frame traverses the topand two sides of the vehicle.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises 1, 2, or 3additional carriages each comprising a tray having two distal ends, asprocket at each distal end effectively interlocking with the series ofholes in the tracks, and an object fastener attached to the tray. Inanother embodiment, the carriages are connected to each other by achain.

In a further embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In a furtherembodiment, the motor is capable of rotating both gears through an axle.In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second motoroperatively attached to the tray, wherein each motor is attached to onegear through an axle. In a further embodiment, the apparatus furthercomprises a receiver operatively attached to the motor, and capable ofreceiving signal and transferring it to the motor(s). In a furtherembodiment, the signal is an on or off signal for the motor(s).

In another embodiment, the object fastener comprises a clamp, Velcrostrap, bungee chord, buckle, or chord. In another embodiment, the objectfastener comprises at least two posts and a clamping device whichoperatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after theobject has been placed on the posts. In a further embodiment, the objectfastener comprises four posts and a clamping device which operativelyand reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after the object has beenplaced on the posts. In another embodiment, the object fastenercomprises tubing mounted to the tray and having removable caps at eitherend on the tubing. In a further embodiment, the tubing is polyvinylchloride tubing.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus fortransferring an object between an upper storage position and a loweraccessible position comprising: a stationary mounting frame comprisingtwo tracks each having a rail capable of effectively interlocking withat least one gear; and at least one carriage positioned between thetracks comprising: a) a tray having two distal ends, b) a gear at eachdistal end effectively interlocking with two additional gears thatinterlock with the rail, c) an object fastener attached to the tray, andd) a power drive operatively attached to the tray capable of rotatingone or both of the gears at each distal end. In a further embodiment,the mounting frame is attached to a vehicle. In a further embodiment,the mounting frame traverses the top and one side of the vehicle. In afurther embodiment, the mounting frame traverses the top and two sidesof the vehicle. In a further embodiment, the rail is an array of teethcapable of effectively interlocking with the two additional gears.

In a further embodiment, the object fastener fastens an elongatedobject. In a further embodiment, the object fastener fastens a ladder,scaffolding, staging, pipes, lumber, aluminum posts, or pump jack. In afurther embodiment, the object fastener fastens a ladder.

In a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises 1, 2, or 3 additionalcarriages each comprising a tray having two distal ends, a gear at eachdistal end effectively interlocking with two additional gears thatinterlock with the rail, and an object fastener attached to the tray. Ina further embodiment, the carriages are connected to each other by achain.

In a further embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In a furtherembodiment, the motor is capable of rotating both gears through an axle.In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a second motoroperatively attached to the tray, wherein each motor is attached to onegear through an axle. In a further embodiment, the apparatus furthercomprises a receiver operatively attached to the motor, and capable ofreceiving signal and transferring it to the motor(s). In a furtherembodiment, the signal is an on or off signal for the motor(s).

In a further embodiment, the object fastener comprises a clamp, Velcrostrap, bungee chord, buckle, or chord. In a further embodiment, theobject fastener comprises at least two posts and a clamping device whichoperatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after theobject has been placed on the posts. In a further embodiment, the objectfastener comprises four posts and clamping device which operatively andreversibly clamps onto one or more posts after the object has beenplaced on the posts. In a further embodiment, the object fastenercomprises tubing mounted to the tray and having removable caps at eitherend on the tubing. In a further embodiment, the tubing is polyvinylchloride tubing.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of loadingan object onto a vehicle comprising: 1) fastening the object to acarriage in a lower accessible position wherein the carriage comprises:a) a tray having two distal ends, b) a gear or sprocket at each distalend effectively interacting with one or two tracks mounted to thevehicle each having a rail, c) an object fastener capable of securingthe object to the tray, and d) a power drive operatively attached to thetray and capable of rotating one or both of the gears or sprockets; 2)initiating the power drive and rotating the gears or sprockets in adirection that moves the carriage in an upward direction; and 3)stopping the power drive when the carriage has reached an upper storageposition.

In a further embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In a furtherembodiment, the motor is stopped automatically when the carriage hasreached the upper storage position. In a further embodiment, the motoris stopped manually when the carriage has reached the upper storageposition.

In a further embodiment, the rail comprises an array of teeth, a chain,or a series of holes in each track. In another embodiment, the rail isan array of teeth and the carriage comprises a gear at each distal endof the tray. In another embodiment, the rail is a chain and the carriagecomprises a sprocket at each distal end of the tray. In anotherembodiment, the rail is a series of holes in each track and the carriagecomprises a sprocket at each distal end of the tray.

In a further embodiment, the object is an elongated object. In a furtherembodiment, the object is a ladder, scaffolding, staging, pipes, lumber,aluminum posts, or pump jack. In a further embodiment, the object is aladder.

In a further embodiment, fastening the object to the tray comprisessecuring the object via a clamp, Velcro strap, bungee chord, buckle, orchord. In a further embodiment, fastening the object to the traycomprises placing the object on a at least two posts and securing theobject on the posts with a clamp which operatively and reversibly clampson to one or more posts. In a further embodiment, fastening the objectto the tray comprises placing the object on four posts and securing theobject on the posts with a clamp which operatively and reversibly clampson to one or more posts. In a further embodiment, fastening the objectto the tray comprises inserting the object into tubing mounted to thetray and having removable caps at either end on the tubing. In a furtherembodiment, the tubing is polyvinyl chloride tubing.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of loadingan object onto a vehicle comprising: 1) fastening the object to acarriage in a lower accessible position wherein the carriage comprises:a) a tray having two distal ends, b) a gear at each distal endeffectively interacting with an additional two gears that effectivelyinteract with a rail within a track mounted to the vehicle, c) an objectfastener capable of securing the object to the tray, and d) a powerdrive operatively attached to the tray and capable of rotating one orboth of the gears; 2) initiating the power drive and rotating the gearsin a direction that moves the carriage in an upward direction; and 3)stopping the power drive when the carriage has reached an upper storageposition. In a further embodiment, the rail is an array of teeth capableof effectively interlocking with the two gears.

In a further embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In a furtherembodiment, the motor is stopped automatically when the carriage reachesthe upper storage position. In a further embodiment, the motor isstopped manually when the carriage reaches the upper storage position.

In a further embodiment, the object is an elongated object. In a furtherembodiment, the object is a ladder, scaffolding, staging, pipes, lumber,aluminum posts, or pump jack. In a further embodiment, the object is aladder.

In a further embodiment, fastening the object to the tray comprisessecuring the object via a clamp, Velcro strap, bungee chord, buckle, orchord. In a further embodiment, fastening the object to the traycomprises placing the object on at least two posts and securing theobject on the posts with a clamp which operatively and reversibly clampson to one or more posts. In a further embodiment, fastening the objectto the tray comprises placing the object on four posts and securing theobject on the posts with a clamp which operatively and reversibly clampson to one or more posts. In a further embodiment, fastening the objectto the tray comprises inserting the object into tubing mounted to thetray and having removable caps at either end on the tubing. In a furtherembodiment, the tubing is polyvinyl chloride tubing.

In another aspect, the present invention features a utility stowageapparatus for transferring one or more objects between an upper storageposition and a lower accessible position of a vehicle comprising: 1) astationary mounting frame comprising two L-shaped or U-shaped tracks,wherein the tracks comprise respectively first and second portions, eachof the first portions and second portions lying in parallel, wherein thefirst portions of the tracks are mounted to the top surface of thevehicle and the second portions of the tracks are detachable, 2) each ofthe first and second portions of the at least two tracks comprises atleast a channel and at least a rail, 3) at least one carriage movablymounted on the rails and comprising: a) a tray having two distal ends,b) an axel connected to the tray and having first and second distal endslocated proximate the distal ends of the tray, c) means for driving thecarriage along the tracks, wherein the means further comprises at leasta first means mounted on the first distal end of the axel and at least asecond means mounted on the second distal end of the axel, wherein thefirst and second means respectively comprise a gear or a sprocket foreffectively interlocking with the rails of the track wherein the meansfor driving are engagingly interlocked with the rail, d) at least afirst bushing mounted on the first distal end of the axel and at leastanother bushing mounted on the second distal end of the axel, whereinthe bushings guidingly engage the channels of the track, e) a powerdrive operatively connected to the axel and for rotating at least one ofthe first or second means, and f) an object fastener attached to thetray for supporting and retaining an object on the tray, whereinoperation of the power drive rotates at least one of the first or secondmeans for driving the carriage along the tracks between the loweraccessible position and the upper storage position.

In one embodiment, the rail comprises an array of teeth, a chain, or aseries of holes in the track. In one embodiment, the object fastenerfastens skis, a surfboard, a bicycle, or a kayak.

In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises 1, 2, or 3additional carriages each comprising a tray having two distal ends, agear or sprocket at each distal end effectively interlocking with therail, and an object fastener attached to the tray. In anotherembodiment, the carriages are connected to each other by a chain. Inanother embodiment, the power drive is a motor. In another embodiment,the object fastener comprises a clamp, Velcro strap, bungee chord,buckle, or chord.

In another embodiment, the object fastener comprises at least two postsand a clamping device which operatively and reversibly clamps onto oneor more posts after the object has been placed on the posts. In anotherembodiment, the object fastener comprises four posts and a clampingdevice which operatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more postsafter the object has been placed on the posts In another embodiment, theobject fastener comprises tubing mounted to the tray and havingremovable caps at either end on the tubing. In another embodiment, thetubing is polyvinyl chloride tubing.

In another embodiment, the rail is an array of teeth and the carriagecomprises a gear at each distal end of the tray. In another embodiment,the rail is a chain and the carriage comprises a sprocket at each distalend of the tray. In another embodiment, the rail is a series of holes ineach track and the carriage comprises a sprocket at each distal end ofthe tray.

In another aspect, the present invention features a method of loadingone or more objects onto a vehicle comprising: 1) providing a stowageapparatus as described above with the detachable second portions of thetrack, 2) fastening the object to the tray of the carriage in the loweraccessible position; 3) initiating the power drive and rotating themeans for driving the carriage in a direction that moves the carriageupwards along the tracks; and 4) stopping the power drive when thecarriage has reached at least a lower accessible position or an upperstorage position. In another embodiment, the rail is an array of teeth,a chain, or a series of holes in each track.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention is further described with reference to theaccompanying drawings, which show various embodiments of the presentinvention. However, it should be noted that the invention as disclosedin the accompanying drawings is illustrated by way of example only. Thevarious elements and combinations of elements described below andillustrated in the drawings can be arranged and organized differently toresult in embodiments which are still with the spirit and scope of thepresent invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention mounted upon a vehicle with two L shaped tracks andone carriage.

FIG. 2 is A) a perspective view from behind a carriage showing a powerdriven axle connected to two gears at either end which effectivelyinterlock with the rails; and B) an enlarged view of the gear and abushing in a track.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present inventionshowing multiple trays for holding several different types of objects.

FIG. 4 is A) a perspective view from behind multiple carriages showingseveral power driven axles, with gears at either end, that furtherinterlock with a connecting chain that's confined within a track andlinks the carriages together; and B) an enlarged side view of the chainconfined within a channel within a track.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one example of an object fastener usefulfor fastening elongated objects.

FIG. 6 is A) a perspective view from behind a single carriage showing areceiver connected to two power drives which are in turn connected totwo power sources; and the three interlocking gear system; and B) anenlarged view from above the L-shaped axel extending through an outerand engaging gear and a bushing.

FIG. 7 is A) a perspective view from behind a single carriage showingthe three interlocking gear system with a chain; and B) an enlarged sideview showing how the gears of the three interlocking gear system worktogether to move a carriage between its two positions.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the present inventionwhere the carriage comprises a tray and a sprocket which interlocks witha chain housed within a track.

FIG. 9 is A) a perspective view from behind a single carriage showing areceiver, a power drive, and two sprockets effectively interlocking withchains housed within the two tracks; and B) an enlarged view from abovethe carriage showing a sprocket effectively interlocking with a chainhoused within a track.

FIG. 10 is A) a perspective side view of multiple carriages comprisingsprockets effectively interlocking with a chain housed within a track,wherein the carriages are connected to each other through a connectingchain; and B) a perspective looking down behind a portion of a carriageshowing a sprocket effectively interlocking with a chain, and aconnecting chain confined within a channel in a track.

FIG. 11 is A) a perspective view from behind a single carriage showing areceiver, a power drive, and two sprockets effectively interlocking witha series of holes housed within the two tracks; and B) an enlarged viewfrom above the carriage showing a sprocket effectively interlocking witha series of holes housed within a track.

FIG. 12 is perspective side view of one embodiment of the presentinvention where the L-shaped track is in several detachable pieces.

FIG. 13 is a perspective side view of the corner of the detachabletrack.

FIG. 14 is an actual picture of the corner and lower second portion ofthe detachable track.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The apparatus of the present invention for storing and accessing objectscan be used in any application or environment, but has a particularadvantage when used on a vehicle. Accordingly, although the apparatus inthe accompanying figures and described hereinafter is for a vehicularapplication, it should be noted that this application is presented byway of example only, and does not indicate or imply that the presentinvention is limited to vehicular applications. Similarly, the apparatusof the present invention is illustrated and described for use on atruck, but can instead be used on any other type of vehicle desired.

The apparatus for storing and accessing an object of the presentinvention (indicated generally as 10 in the figures) has mounting frame12, and one or more carriages 14, comprising a tray 16 having two distalends, a gear 18 at each distal end effectively interlocking with a rail20, an object fastener 22 attached to tray 16, and a power drive 24operatively attached to tray 16 and capable of rotating one or bothgears 18. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of thepresent invention where mounting frame 12 comprises two L-shaped tracks26 extending over the roof of the vehicle. Tracks 26 house rails 20 andother components, as will be discussed, to guide one or more carriages14 between the two positions: lower, accessible position 28 (shown inFIG. 1) and upper storage position 30. Tracks 26 have a shape thatgenerally conforms to the shape of the vehicle and are mounted upon thevehicle in a conventionally manner. For example, tracks 26 may comprisea flange extending outwards that allow mounting frame 12 to be bolted tothe vehicle. Although not shown in FIG. 1, supports may connect tracts26 for additional stability and may also be fashioned as a method ofattachment. Such mounting arrangements depend at least partially uponthe type of vehicle used (e.g. pick-up truck, flatbed truck,stationwagon, fire truck, etc.), but all share in common one or moremounting locations for the remainder of the apparatus parts as will bedescribed below. Frames and their manner of attachment are well known tothose skilled in the art and are not therefore described further herein.

Carriage 14 is of appropriate length and width for the object(s) andtransverses between tracks 26. Mounted securely to the front of carriage14 is object fastener 22. Object fastener 22 depends on the object.Shown in FIG. 1 is an object fastener designed to store elongatedobjects such as a ladder. This particular object fastener is shown ingreater detail in FIG. 5. Other object fasteners include clamps, Velcrostraps, bungee chords, buckles, or chords for tying or otherwisesecuring the object. Another useful object fastener 22 is tubing such aspolyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing used often in the plumbing trade to holdelongated objects such a copper pipes. The object fastener for PVCtubing comprises a first curved frame mounted to carriage 14 and asecond curved frame which clamps over the tubing to the first curvedframe.

FIG. 2A shows a perspective view from behind carriage 14. Shown is powerdrive 24 which operatively connects to axle 32 and is capable ofrotating axle 32 in either direction. Axle 32 extends in eitherdirection from power drive 24 and for greater stability may be securedto carriage 14 via a pair of U-shaped clamps 34. Axle 32 is furtheroperatively connected to gear 18 on either end such that axle 32 andgear 18 rotate in the same direction when operated. Gear 18 effectivelyinteracts with rail 20 set in track 26 such that when rotated, carriage14 is lifted or lowered depending on the direction of the rotation. Axle32 further extends beyond gear 18 to bushing 36 on either side. FIG. 2Bis an enlarged view of axle 32 extending through U-shaped clamp 34, gear18, and bushing 36. Bushing 36 fits into space 38 within track 26 andhelps guide carriage 14 smoothly between the two positions. A portion,40, of axle 32 may extend beyond bushing 36 and into space 42.

In a preferred embodiment, the power drive is a motor. The motor ispowerful enough to lift or lower carriage 14 smoothly and safely betweenlower accessible position 28 and upper storage position 30. The motormay be manually operated via a switch or may be remotely operated via amechanism similar to a car door opener. In one embodiment, the motorturns itself off when resistance is met between the two positionssimilar to the way an electric car window stops upon fully closing oropening.

FIGS. 2A and 2B also disclose the embodiment where rail 20 is an arrayof teeth capable of effectively interacting with gear 18. Thisembodiment is also disclosed in FIGS. 4, 6, and 7. As will be discussedlater, FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 disclose the embodiment where rail 20 is achain capable of effectively interlocking with sprocket 96, and FIG. 11discloses the embodiment where rail 20 is a series of holes capable ofeffectively interlocking with sprocket 96. In general, when rail 20 isan array of teeth, carriage 14 comprises gear 18, and when rail 20 is achain or series of holes in track 26, carriage 14 comprises sprocket 96.The term gear as used herein refers to a disk or wheel, having cut teethof such form, size, and spacing that they mesh with teeth in anotherpart to transmit or receive force and motion. Sprocket as used herein issimilar but refers more so to a toothed wheel engaging with a chain orseries of holes to transmit or receive force and motion.

FIG. 3 discloses an embodiment of the invention where more than onecarriage is used. It is envisioned by the inventor that in oneembodiment 1, 2, 3, or 4 carriages may be used, or even 5 or 6 carriagesmay be used depending on the size of the trays. In FIG. 3, carriages 14and 44 are in lower accessible position 28, carriage 46 is rounding thecorner of tracks 48, and carriage 50 is in upper storage position 30.FIG. 3 discloses the versatility of the present invention as multiplecarriages allow for multiple objects to be stored. Carriage 14 can beused for example to store a ladder, carriage 44 can be used for exampleto store copper piping within PVC tubes, and carriage 50 can be used forexample to store wooden beams and planks. FIG. 3 also discloses anembodiment of the present invention where tracks 48 are U-shaped asopposed to tracks 26 in FIG. 1 which are L-shaped. U-shaped tracks 48are useful, for example, for vehicles on construction sites which may beparked in either direction.

FIG. 4A discloses a perspective from behind the carriages where there ismore than one carriage. The two end carriages comprise power drive 24.Each tray comprises axle 32, and gears 18 on either end of axle 32.U-clamps 34 are used on either side of power drive 24 to secure axle 32to the trays. In this embodiment, bushing 36 is confined to space 38 in.FIG. 2B. Chain 52 is made up of links 56 held together by connectors 58which allow axle 32 to extend into link 56 or beyond. Chain 52 need onlybe long enough to link the carriages together via each carriage's axle32. It is the confinement of chain 52 within space 54 that assists themovement of the carriages in unison around the corner of tracks 26 or34. FIG. 4B is a side view from the perspective of the interior of thecarriage and down the center of axle 32. Axle 32 first proceed throughU-shaped clamp 34 (dotted line in FIG. 4B so as not to obscure), throughgear 18, and into link 56 of chain 52 (hidden by gear 18).

FIG. 5 is a more detailed drawing of one embodiment of object fastener22. In this embodiment, object fastener 60 is particularly suitable fora ladder. Extendable arms 62 are pivotally attached to carriage 14through fasteners 64 which allow them to pivot between a non-useposition flat against carriage 14 and the useful position shown. FIG. 5is a half view of object fastener 60, i.e. there is another pair ofextendable arms 62 and adjustable clamp 66 at the other distal end ofcarriage 14. In general, extendable arms 62 comprise an array of ridges68 capable of interlocking with adjustable clamp 66. Adjustable clamp 66comprises curved piece 70 for effectively holding a ladder in place viathe rungs. Curved piece 70 comprises a releasable catch for interlockingwith array of ridges 68.

FIG. 6 depicts another working embodiment of the present invention. Inthis embodiment, behind carriage 14, mounted power drives 24 are poweredby mounted power sources 72. Power sources 72 can be batteries such as,for example, 12 volt batteries. Electrical wires 74 connect powersources 72 to power drives 24. Also depicted is receiver 76 whichreceives transmitted signals and routes them to power drives 24 throughelectrical wires 78. It is envisioned by the inventor that power drives24 would be turned on and off via receiver 76.

Also depicted in FIG. 6 is the three interlocking gear system. Axels 32extend from power drives 24 to gears 18. Gears 18 effectively interlockwith outer gears 80 and 82. Outer gears 80 and 82 are attached toengaging gears 90 and 92, which interlock with rails 20. When powerdrives 24 turn axles 32 and, in turn, gears 18, outer gears 80 and 82and engaging gears 90 and 92 all turn in the same direction to movecarriage 14 along tracks 26 (see FIG. 1) or 48 (see FIG. 3) betweenlower, accessible position 28 and upper, storage position 30 (see FIG.1). L-shaped axle 84 extends from outer gears 80 to axel 32. L-shapedaxle 86 extends from outer gears 82 to axel 32. L-shaped axels 84 and 86are pivotally attached to axel 32 such that each axel can rotate,changing the angle between axels 84, 32, and 86. L-shaped axels 84 and86 can attach to axel 32 next to each other like two hands of a clock,or in a preferred embodiment, one of the L-shaped axels is C-shaped withthe other L-shaped axel fitting into the C, as depicted in arrangement88 in FIG. 6. The greater flexibility provided by the three interlockinggear system assists moving heavier loads around the corner of tracks 26or 48. Both L-shaped axels 84 and 86 extend beyond engaging gears 90 and92 to bushings 36 for greater stability. Portion 40 of L-shaped axels 84and 86 extends into space 42.

FIG. 6B depicts a portion of a perspective looking downward behindcarriage 14. Shown is power drive 24 operatively attached to axel 32.From this upper perspective, only L-shaped axel 86 is visible, extendingthrough outer gear 82, engaging gear 92, and bushing 36. Engaging gear92 engages with rail 20. Bushing 36 rests in space 38, and portion 40 ofL-shaped axel 86 rests in space 42.

FIG. 7 depicts an embodiment of the present invention combining thethree interlocking gear system of FIG. 6 with the chain embodiment ofFIG. 4. FIG. 7A shows a portion from behind carriage 14 where axel 32extends to gear 18. Gear 18 effectively interlocks with outer gears 80and 82, which interlock with engaging gears 90 and 92. Engaging gears 90and 92 effectively interlock with rail 20. L-shaped axels 84 and 86extend from axel 32, to which they are pivotally attached, through outergears 80 and 82 and engaging gears 90 and 92, respectively. L-shapedaxels 84 and 86 further extend into chain 52 which is confined to space54. As in FIG. 4, chain 52 replaces bushing 36 and helps multiplecarriages move in unison.

FIG. 7B depicts the side view indicated in FIG. 7A. Portions of L-shapedaxels 84 and 86 have been left out so as not to obscure how gear 18interlocks with outer gears 80 and 82. In FIG. 7B, one can see that gear18 does not interlock with rail 20, which would prevent any movement ofcarriage 14. Gear 18 only interlocks with outer gears 80 and 82, whichin turn are operatively attached to engaging gears 90 and 92. One canalso see how engaging gears 90 and 92 always move in the same direction.For example, and as depicted in FIG. 7B, when gear 18 turns counterclockwise, outer gears 84 and 86, and engaging gears 90 and 92 turn in aclockwise direction, moving carriage 14 upward from lower accessibleposition 28 to upper, storage position 30 (see FIG. 1). Likewise,turning gear 18 in a clockwise direction turns outer gears 84 and 86,and engaging gears 90 and 92 in a counter clockwise direction, loweringcarriage 14 from upper, storage position 30 to lower, accessibleposition 28. L-shaped axels 84 and 86 extend beyond engaging gears 90and 92 into chain links 56 which are held together by connectors 58 tofrom chain 52.

As carriage 14 rounds the corner of either L-shaped tracks 26 orU-shaped tracks 48, the angle between gears 18 and outer gears 80 and 82will be less than the 180 degrees depicted in FIG. 7B. Importantly,because of the pivotal attachment between L-shaped axels 84 and 86 andaxel 32, gear 18 will always be effectively interlocking with outergears 80 and 82. The three interlocking gear system as described hereinalso offers a wide range of flexibility to one of ordinary skill in theart through adjustment of gears sizes between gear 18, outer gears 80and 82, and engaging gears 90 and 92. One of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate that adjusting the size of these gears relative to eachother adjust speed and leverage, and can thus be designed as needed fora particular utility.

FIG. 8 shows a side perspective of another embodiment of the presentinvention where carriage 14 is in lower accessible position 28. Track 26comprises chain 94 as rail 20, as opposed to the array of teeth seenpreviously. Instead of gear 18, sprocket 96 attached to axel 32effectively interlocks with chain 94 to move carriage 14 between loweraccessible and upper storage positions 28 and 30, respectively. Chain 94is fastened to track 26 by ordinary means, including, but not limitedto, welding for example.

FIG. 9A shows a view from behind carriage 14 of this embodiment. Powersource 72 connects to power drive 24 through electrical wires 74 todrive axel 32 which extends through U-shaped clamps 34 to sprockets 96,which effectively interlock with chain 94. When powered, sprockets 96turn in either direction to move carriage 14 up or down. FIG. 9B shows ablown up view looking down chain 94. Sprocket 96 effectively interlockswith chain 94. When axel 32 rotates in either direction the effect is tomove carriage 14 between lower accessible position 28 and upper storageposition 30.

FIG. 10A shows this embodiment with multiple carriages 14. Track 26comprises chain 94 which effectively interlocks with sprockets 96. Track26 also comprises chain 52, confined in space 54, which connectscarriages 14. Axels 32 extend beyond sprockets 96 into the links ofchain 52. As in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4, chain 52 helpscarriages 14 move in unison. Only one carriage 14 need have power drive24. FIG. 10B shows a blown up view looking down chain 94. Axel 32extends through U-shaped clamp 34 into sprocket 96. Sprocket 96effectively interlocks with chain 94, which is securely held in place intrack 26. Portion 40 of axel 32 extends past sprocket 96 into chain 52which is confined to space 54.

FIG. 11A shows a view from behind carriage 14 of the embodiment whenrail 20 is a series of holes 97. Power source 72 connects to power drive24 through electrical wires 74 to drive axel 32 which extends throughU-shaped clamps 34 to sprockets 96, which effectively interlock withseries of holes 97. When powered, sprockets 96 turn in either directionto move carriage 14 up or down. FIG. 11B shows a blown up view lookingdown series of holes 96. Sprocket 96 effectively interlocks with seriesof holes 97. In one embodiment, the series of holes 97 is made inc-column 98, which is held in place by ordinary means, including, butnot limited to, welding to track 26. When axel 32 rotates in eitherdirection the effect will be to move carriage 14 between positions loweraccessible position 28 and upper storage position 30.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment in which L-shaped track 26 is not in onepiece but comprises upper first portion 100 and lower second portion101. In this embodiment upper first portion 100 is mounted on the topsurface of the vehicle 99 while lower second portion 101 does not mountto the side of the vehicle. This allows lower second portion 101 to bedetachable. Note that track 26 still comprises a rail, which in FIG. 12is chain 102 in the upper first portion, and chain 103 in the lowersecond portion. Not pictured in FIG. 12 is the corner portion whichattaches upper first portion 100 and lower second portion 101 throughholes 104 present in both portions. This corner piece is depicted inFIG. 13.

FIG. 13 depicts corner portion 105 which connects upper first portion100 and lower second portion 101 from FIG. 12. It accomplishes thisthrough holes 106 and a flange depicted in FIG. 14. Corner piece 105comprises track 26 and sprocket 96 depicted travelling through 3separate positions. Sprocket 96 interacts with a rail that may either bea chain or series of holes (not pictured). In this embodiment, the lowersecond portion is not mounted to the side surface of the vehicle buthangs from the top of the vehicle.

FIG. 14 is an actual picture of corner piece 105 attached to lowersecond portion 101 detached from upper first portion 100. One can seethat corner piece 105 is attached to lower second portion 101 throughflange 107 via bolts in holes 104 and 106 from FIGS. 12 and 13,respectively. One can also see how attached corner piece 105 and lowersecond portion 101 may be re-attached to upper first portion 100 throughhole 108. Also note the presence of chain 94 which exists separately inupper first portion 100, corner piece 105, and lower second portion 101,but when assembled provides a continuous chain for sprocket 96 tointeract with.

While particular embodiments of this invention have been shown in thedrawings and described above, it will be apparent that many changes maybe made in the form, arrangement and positioning of the various elementsof the combination. In consideration thereof it should be understoodthat preferred embodiment of this invention disclosed herein areintended to be illustrative only and not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

We claim:
 1. A utility stowage apparatus for transferring one or moreobjects between an upper storage position and a lower accessibleposition of a vehicle comprising: a stationary mounting frame comprisingtwo L-shaped or U-shaped tracks, wherein the tracks compriserespectively first and second portions, each of the first portions andsecond portions lying in parallel, wherein the first portions of thetracks are mounted to the top surface of the vehicle and the secondportions of the tracks are detachable, each of the first and secondportions of the at least two tracks comprises at least a channel and atleast a rail, at least one carriage movably mounted on the rails andcomprising: a) a tray having two distal ends, b) an axel connected tothe tray and having first and second distal ends located proximate thedistal ends of the tray, c) means for driving the carriage along thetracks, wherein the means further comprises at least a first meansmounted on the first distal end of the axel and at least a second meansmounted on the second distal end of the axel, wherein the first andsecond means respectively comprise a gear or a sprocket for effectivelyinterlocking with the rails of the track wherein the means for drivingare engagingly interlocked with the rail, d) at least a first bushingmounted on the first distal end of the axel and at least another bushingmounted on the second distal end of the axel, wherein the bushingsguidingly engage the channels of the track, e) a power drive operativelyconnected to the axel and for rotating at least one of the first orsecond means, and f) an object fastener attached to the tray forsupporting and retaining an object on the tray, wherein operation of thepower drive rotates at least one of the first or second means fordriving the carriage along the tracks between the lower accessibleposition and the upper storage position.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the rail comprises an array of teeth, a chain, or a series ofholes in the track.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the objectfastener fastens skis, a surfboard, a bicycle, or a kayak.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 1, further comprising 1, 2, or 3 additional carriageseach comprising a tray having two distal ends, a gear or sprocket ateach distal end effectively interlocking with the rail, and an objectfastener attached to the tray.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein thecarriages are connected to each other by a chain.
 6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the power drive is a motor.
 7. The apparatus of claim1, wherein the object fastener comprises a clamp, Velcro strap, bungeechord, buckle, or chord.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the objectfastener comprises at least two posts and a clamping device whichoperatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after theobject has been placed on the posts.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the object fastener comprises four posts and a clamping devicewhich operatively and reversibly clamps onto one or more posts after theobject has been placed on the posts
 10. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the object fastener comprises tubing mounted to the tray andhaving removable caps at either end on the tubing.
 11. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the tubing is polyvinyl chloride tubing.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the rail is an array of teeth and thecarriage comprises a gear at each distal end of the tray.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the rail is a chain and the carriagecomprises a sprocket at each distal end of the tray.
 14. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the rail is a series of holes in each track and thecarriage comprises a sprocket at each distal end of the tray.
 15. Amethod of loading one or more objects onto a vehicle comprising: 1)providing a stowage apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2) fastening theobject to the tray of the carriage in the lower accessible position; 3)initiating the power drive and rotating the means for driving thecarriage in a direction that moves the carriage upwards along thetracks; and 4) stopping the power drive when the carriage has reached atleast a lower accessible position or an upper storage position.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the rail is an array of teeth, a chain, or aseries of holes in each track.